for your first email from REI. ), or speak with a ranger. The beautiful granite cliffs and white sandy beaches of the Tomales Bay State Park & the Point Reyes National Seashore make the perfect destination to explore. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. What you'll see: A fast, easy way to change your reality is to get into a kayak. (locations are listed in the order in which one would encounter them moving counter-clockwise around the bay from Tomales Point to Dillon Beach). We paddled across the bay, subject to scrutiny by . Located to the west of Ottawa, "the Valley" stretches along the Ottawa River from Arnprior up to Deep River and extends . These guys were exceedingly polite, professional, and communicative. 12948 Sir Frances Drake Blvd, It is on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile north of Inverness. You must carry your boat approximately 100 meters (110 yards) across a sandy beach. We recommend water shoes or strap sandals. The road opens up as you pass Nicasio Reservoir (full right now) on the left. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. more, Perched directly over the Stables, the Grooms Quarters is a unique vacation rental that provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for friends or family visiting Point Reyes with horses. more, Vaulted ceilings, in-room fireplaces, private balconies perched over a lush garden courtyard with views of Black Mountain Point Reyes Station Inn bed & breakfast is a peaceful, romantic retreat just minutes from the heart of the village. The inn and marina are located on the west side of the bay. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, five kilometers (3 miles) north of Point Reyes Station. If you need to rent a kayak, Blue Waters has you covered! While there are restrooms at Hearts Desire Beach, Lawsons Landing, and Miller Boat Launch, a pit toilet at Indian Beach, and portable toilets at Chicken Ranch Beach, camping is prohibited at all of these locations. Prior to launching, each customer will be provided a tutorial including information about the equipment and the rules and regulations of kayaking on Tomales Bay. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Please note: Pelican Point, Duck Island, and the east side of Hog Island are closed to the public year round to better protect nesting and roosting birds. They had a demo boat that took all of an hour to convince me. I worked with them to organize two trips out on the bay during September's new moon. Learn more steps you can take by visiting the. Kayaking is also permitted on Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero from July 1 through February 28. And the next wave tipped me right over one more time. ~If you are on a phone and having trouble viewing this map, click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of the map to view this map on Google Maps.~. The night can get cold, so dress in layers. The park is more, A secluded Mediterranean-style bed and breakfast in a quiet pastoral setting looking out on the Inverness Ridge and West Marins beautiful rolling hills youll love the vineyard views, serene koi pond and wine tasting room. No overnight parking for boat-in campers is allowed in Point Reyes National Seashore or Tomales Bay State Park. Our guided tour will take you through areas where your kayak paddle creates long stretches of glowing bioluminescent for the longest time. Winter Kayaking & Birding Tours with David Wimpfheimer: Sundays December 29, 2013 and January 19, 2014. . Where can I launch my kayak in Tomales Bay? EMT on-shore with radio. It's home to harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and the majestic tule elk. The General Plan establishes the long-range vision for the park and recommends how to protect and improve the park's natural, cultural, and recreational values . This often involves considerable work on our part to make sure that the right equipment is ready for you at the right place and time. Map of Estero closures (299 KB PDF). Not for beginner kayakers and not recommended for kids under 14 years old. Must be comfortable and confident in water with up to 18" wind swell. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. and the other 3 hours are spent learning as you paddle along the beautiful coastline of the Tomales Bay State Park or the Point Reyes National Seashore. Off-site rentals, $75 all day on weekdays, $115 on weekends. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Kayak Tomales Bay for amazing views of the Point Reyes National Seashore. As the evening fades into darkness, the sky is lit by stars above, followed by traces of bioluminescence glowing as its spills from your kayak paddle. TOMALES BAY - Beaches are not assigned; campers choose available beaches on a first-come, first-served basis THERE IS POTABLE WATER AT WILDCAT, SKY, GLEN AND COAST CAMP. If you observe drone use in Point Reyes National Seashore, please call park dispatch at 415-464-5170 or contact staff at the nearest Visitor Center as soon as possible. He is America's first Back Country Sportsman of the Year and the only two-time National Outdoor Writer of the year. 13 reviews of Tomales Bay Expeditions "I had a GREAT experience going bioluminescent kayaking with Tomales Bay Expeditions. Take that exit 0.3 of a mile to a stop sign, turn left on Lucas Valley Road and drive 10.4 miles to Nicasio Valley Road. Call us today! Even if you aren't camping, feel free to download our Tomales Bay Boat-in Camping Map (1,798 KB PDF), which shows the locations of some launch sites, beaches, and other useful landmarks to help you navigate around the bay. No overnight use or beach fires. If you observe drone use in other National Park Service areas or if you find photographs or videos online or elsewhere that were illegally taken within National Park Service areas from drones, you can report the violation to the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009 or by email. Boaters may pull up on the southern edge of the beach to access the restrooms and drinking water. more, A peaceful, stylish retreat set in four private acres of orchards and open space, Point Reyes Country Inn welcomes guests to spacious, beautifully furnished rooms, gourmet breakfasts and the tranquility of the West Marin countryside. Fun getaway from the Bay and a change from the usual car camping or backpacking. Loaded our kayak with our gear and fresh oyster we got on the way. In the event you choose to cancel you will receive a full refund minus the 5% handling fee. We schedule these trips during the most ideal viewing conditions. Tomales Bay has become well known recently as a great place to see planktonic bioluminescense at night. A narrow inlet that's about 15 miles long, Tomales Bay separates Point Reyes and the Marin Coastline. The very first outing with my new kayak, a Current Designs Solstice GT Titan, took me to the mouth of Tomales Bay. Blue Waters Kayaking and Hiking, Point Reyes Station, 415-669-2600. - 2D & 3D Existing Plans, Established in June of 1978, High Sierra Water Ski School is located on the pristine, We offer hassle free insured drivers for your rental or personal car. This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Restrooms and water available. Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? The National Park Service at Point Reyes is concerned about the effects of the growth in recreational use. Triples also available. Dry everything five days or more, unless otherwise required by local or state laws, when moving between waters to kill small species not easily seen OR wipe with a towel before reuse. Napa Valley Paddle(Inside) Sav Up Crossfit1075 Lakeville St. Petluma, CA 94952, The Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Tomales Bay. Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. There is a pit toilet and you must carry your boat along a short trail approximately 100 yards to the water. His books have sold more than 1 million copies. Use our quick contact form below and well get back to you a.s.a.p. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. (Monday through Friday reservations available by ADVANCED RESERVATION - $800 Minimum) Heart's Desire Beach is in our opinion, one of the best launching locations on Tomales Bay. No overnight camping or beach fires. Blue Waters Kayaking is now offering Kayak & SUP Rentals from the shore of Hearts Desire Beach in the Tomales Bay State Park EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY! The boat ramp is a sand bottomed ramp and Lawson's Landing uses a fork lift to move boats onto the water, or if you have 4 wheel drive they allow you to use it to put your boat into the water. (, Let us drop them off for you at your waterside location if you are coming out midweek. This place is known as the Ottawa Valley. There is a day-use fee and overnight parking requires purchasing a Lawson's Landing campsite. Lawson's Landing's campground and boat launch are located in Dillon Beach with direct access to the north end of Tomales Bay. (37 Reviews ) Experience one of nature's most spectacular light shows as you paddle through the glowing waters of Tomales Bay during this Bioluminescent Kayak Adventure! These regions of the peninsula are best known for their natural beauty and diversity in plant and wildlife. How to get to Marshall: At Point Reyes Station, turn right on Highway 1 and drive 8.4 miles to Marshall and Blue Waters Kayaking at 19225 Shoreline Highway. Learn more about dinoflagellates and bioluminescence. more, Set on a peaceful ten acre farm in Olema, youll love the spacious rooms with views and fireplaces, cooked breakfasts and panoramic views of Mt. As such, all of our tours (especially night tours) are subject to environmental conditions such as tide and weather. TOMALES BAY STATE PARK(415) 669-1140The state park provides two access areas to Tomales Bay, Millerton Point and Hearts Desire Beach. So the camera was sitting too loose and thus was knocked over by the same waves that tipped me. It is a day-use area (no overnight parking) and there is a day-use fee. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Included in the rental fee is a short introductory kayak lesson, directions on where to go and what to see, as well as your paddling equipment such as paddle, life vest, and a wet suit. Stand-up paddleboards: On-site rentals, $25 per hour, $75 all day. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. If you decide to cancel, it can be difficult for us to book someone else on that trip, and in some cases may cause a trip to be cancelled due to the effect on minimum group size requirements. Contact Tomales Bay State Park for more information at 415-669-1140. Whether you plan to spend a few hours or a few days on the bay, this is a great starting point. Unpaid credit card deposits will be charged. Above is a map showing the beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay and below is a list of the beaches from south to north. Join once, enjoy forever. Love oysters? Tomales Bay Expeditions are available year around and our schedules fill quickly, so why not register today? As such, it is important to minimize our impacts and Leave No Trace of our visits to Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get there. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Carpooling saves money, space, and the environment! We searched for bioluminescent but it was hard to see that night even though there was no moon. This is it! Option & Pricing: Select Package & Pricing Option. The island is open on the west side only for day use. Refund available for reservations cancelled up to 14-days prior to your tour date; $35/cancellation fee applies. On Tomales Bay, there are vault toilets at Marshall Beach and Tomales Beach. Tomales Bay, at 12 miles long, is the largest protected bay in Point Reyes National Seashore. Choose from rooms with fireplaces, kitchenettes, and water views. Tomales Bay State Park is composed of 3 distinct use areas: Heart's Desire - Located at 1100 Pierce Point Road, in Inverness, Heart's Desire is the heart of Tomales Bay State Park. If you have questions or ideas about arranging a paddle or an event, were here to help. Crescent Tandem Kayak, sit-on-top with elevated, framed single seats. Sea Trek Kayak & Stand Up Paddling Center, Sausalito, 415-332-8494. No dump station. T hose looking to go canoeing and kayaking near Ottawa are in luckone of the premier paddling destinations in the entire province is merely a one- or two-hour drive away, depending where in the region you decide to explore. Land for a picnic. One thing th Just north of San Francisco, there's a row of giant Monterey cypress trees that forms a tree tunnel. Copyright 2023Tomales Bay Expeditions ‐ All Rights Reserved. Hearts Desire Beach is on the west side of Tomales Bay off Pierce Point Road. Not for beginner paddlers. more, Two peaceful cottages located directly on the shores of Tomales Bay. The whole hike is beautiful. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Visit recreation.gov or call the Visitor Center at (415) 464-5100 for more information and availability. We look forward to hearing from you. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. It is very shallow and is best used at high tides. (. How to get to Point Reyes Station: From the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 north 16.1 miles to Exit 456 for Lucas Valley Road. This beach is north of Hearts Desire Beach and has two redwood kotcas (traditional Coast Miwok sleeping shelters) on it. Kayak camping is a unique way to extend your stay on the water and experience the natural beauty of Tomales Bay by night. There is a fee and permit system for overnight camping within Point Reyes National Seashore, including camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary. This beach has restrooms, so keep that in mind when you head up. (The venue for each class will be wind, weather, and tide dependent.) You can rent a horse more, Encompassing 100 square miles of coastal wilderness, the park offers 80 miles of pristine coastline and over 150 miles of hiking trails. They provided everything we needed and included some basic how-to-kayak instruction. Tomales Bay offers boat-in only campgrounds along the east side of the peninsula. Group First Aid Kit - Contents include wound care items and over the counter medications for minor injuries and illnesses. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Watch especially for tides and currents in this area. Cement boat ramp available. Point Reyes Station This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc. A vault toilet is available. We are a small, locally owned company which prides ourselves in our experience, depth of knowledge and connection to our home. A vault toilet is available. All rentals subject to availability. Contact the National Seashore reservation office at (415) 663-8054 for reservations and to place your name on the mailing list for information. This is a guided, night time paddle often in pitch black darkness. Go to our Camping page if youre interested in boat-in camping. Tomales Bay State Park is just south of all of these beaches and is open 8 a.m. to sunset daily for kayak day trips. It is usually seen as sparkles or a glow around anything which disturbs the water Paddle strokes, the wake of a kayak or even a fish will leave a beautiful trail of light. It's going to be so much fun! We offer various kayak rental options from our launch location at the Tomales Bay Resort. Always check the weather and marine forecasts before kayaking, canoeing, boating, etc. If you time it right and are paddling at night, you'll also get to experience bioluminescence. 3 hours total: 30 minutes for on-shore instruction, overview, and life vests and paddle fitting. In the morning, we saw hammer sharks, rays swimming in the water while enjoying our breakfast. Triples also available. Clavey Paddlesports, Petaluma, 707-766-8070. French influence has of course extended to the local cuisine, which is rich in seafood and delectable desserts. Kayak, paddles, life jacket, on-shore instruction & overview. Tomales Bay is one of the most stunning paddling destinations in California, and Blue Waters Kayaking has multiple options for you to go out and explore on your own via kayak or stand up paddle board: Tomales Bay typically gets higher winds after 12pm, and all rentals must be back by 4:30pm. Motorized vessels are prohibited within 100 of the swim area markers. There is gas, dump station, and boat rentals. Orange floats are placed to mark the swimming area during the summer. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. From here we offer kayak rentals for walk-ins and by reservation. Napa Valley Paddle's Bioluminescent kayak touring company offers nature's most illuminating light show in the waters of Tomales Bay on the darkest nights of July, August, September, and October, 2023. We look forward to hearing from you. This location offers premier access to paddle along the shores of the Tomales Bay State Park and Point Reyes National Seashore. . And again, I did not go under.I love this boat already, after the very first afternoon! Item #: WAT-SFR-0038. Tom Stienstra is the outdoors writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. The group of twelve doubled up into tandem kayaks and set out from Nick's Cove, across the bay, around Hog Island and Duck Island and back, a four hour trip. To protect harbor seals from disturbance during the most crucial part of the pupping season, from March 1 through June 30 the National Park Service closes Drakes Estero and Limantour Estero to boating. Hobie Mirage-Drive kayaks use a patented mechanism to transmit leg power onto the water, creating a method of propulsion which is far more powerful and efficient. The California State Park and Recreation Commission approved the Tomales Bay State Park General Plan at its May 14, 2004 meeting in Santa Rosa. Most canoe trippers plan a Noire River canoe route of 5 to 7 days to enjoy the river's best campsites, scenery and whitewater paddling, but shorter trips and day trips are also possible. Tomales Bay has rental stations at Inverness and Marshall, each ideal launch points for a morning flat-water paddle in Tomales Bay. Even though white sharks visit the waters near the mouths of Tomales Bay and Drakes Estero, the chances of being attacked by a white shark is extremely small. One end opens to the wild swells of the Pacific; at the other end is a tidal marsh, fed by the fresh water of the Lagunitas River. Kayak Beautiful Tomales bay and experience the bioluminescence ecology of the bay. As with most beaches in Point Reyes swimming is not recommended. Walk-Ins available from 9-3pm based on availability of boats & parking. In this case the following policies apply and each patron is responsible to contact the office to make arrangements. Tomales Bay is a 15-mile long, 6780-acre tidal water body located in rural west Marin County, California. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into the sunset and wait until it is completely dark, continuing on around the bay to experience the bio-luminescence nature. . You get a winding route through redwoods at one point, and then near Nicasio past hardwoods. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. (see below), Reschedule the same trip for a future date (at no cost). adventures and follow local regulations. No advanced paddling techniques are required to get maximum performance; just push the pedals harder to go faster! Camping on the beaches on the westside of Tomales Bay north of Tomales Bay State Park's northern boundary, if you have reserved a boat-in camping permit. 15% gratuity and 5% Point Reyes National Seashore fee is included in the ticket price. CA Tomales Bay is the body of water that separates Point Reyes and the Marin coastline. Tomales Bay, CA. Timed during the lowest crescent of the moon, and starting around sunset, you will paddle into . At the end of the tunnel, you'll find the historic RCA/Marconi Station. A vault toilet is available at the kayak launch site at the south end of the Drakes Estero Access Road. That makes it a bit difficult to keep track of the attitude of the boat with respect to the camera. Note: All paddlers must be a minimum of 5 years of age and 50 pounds in weight. Note: The best access point for a walk or to fish from shore is off Point Reyes Petaluma Road. Point Reyes has a thriving artist community, lively music scene and plenty of one of a kind shopping opportunities. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. Ahoy Boaters & Kayakers! The only marine Wilderness on the west coast of the continental United States, the esteros (Spanish for estuaries) offer relatively undisturbed habitat for harbor seals, bat rays, leopard sharks, and many species of birds and fish. Carry dry bag, waterproof cell phone case, or zip lock bag to protect cell phones, keys and other valuables. Disposing of human waste in the bay or onto park beaches is prohibited. Parking is limited in the Point Reyes area. Come see some of Earth's finest creatures with cheery and adventurous new friends. All of our night tours have some chance of seeing bioluminescense, however there are many factors which effect its density and brightness. Take only pictures; leave only footprints. That year he was also awarded as Far West Ski Writer of the Year. All very beautiful n deserted. Beach fires are prohibited on state park beaches. more, From oysters plucked fresh from Tomales Bay to local wine and cheese tastings, Point Reyes and the surrounding areas offer an unforgettable range of dining more, With so much beauty to see in the Point Reyes National Seashore why not cover some of it on horseback? (, Load your boat or board on to a set of wheels and walk them 5 to 10 minutes to Lagunitas Creek, Available by Request w/ $800 minimum per day, We also rent closed deck kayaks if you have taken a recovery course with us or another kayak outfitter. (2 kayaks or 3 SUPs can fit on top of any vehicle.) The best way to witness these amazing animals? No overnight use or beach fires. Turn right (still Point Reyes Petaluma Road) and drive 3.1 miles to Highway 1. Tours leave from various locations depending on tidal conditions. A pit toilet is available. Instead, take Lucas Valley Road. The Seashore faces the challenge of not only preserving the pristine shorelines of Tomales Bay and assisting in protecting clean water, but also providing recreational opportunities for the public. The bay is largely bounded on the west by Point Reyes National Seashore. hoping to witness the phenomenon before winter weather ended bioluminescent viewing season and made nighttime trips too dangerous. A crazy sand bar, which almost closes the entrance, causes random surf and. There is no charge for rescheduling during this time period. This Marin County park has a public boat launch with cement grade into the water, restrooms, and a pier. Perfect fit for the larger person like me. For families, we may have the whale boat available depending on weather conditions. THERE IS NO WATER FOR BOAT IN CAMPERS ON TOMALES BAY, BRING YOUR OWN. With hundreds of marine dinoflagellates assembled in the bay, the collective effect can be magical. No overnight use or beach fires. It is the emission of light by microorganisms undersea called marine dinoflagellate or plankton. Tandem kayak, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, two guides per event/group, one headlamp with RED light per boat. The most popular area for kayaking at Point Reyes National Seashore is on Tomales Bay. As such, personal water craft (PWC) such as a Jetski or Waverunner are not permitted on Tomales Bay. Adjacent communities include Pt. We rented our kayak from Blue Water, very friendly people. One must carry one's boat along a short trail approximately 100 meters (110 yards) to the water. Napa Valley Paddles blue water kayaking starts just before nightfall so that you can enjoy the rich colors of the sun setting on the horizon. Miller Boat Launch is located on the east side of Tomales Bay along Highway 1 just north of Nick's Cove, which is ~6.5 km (~4 mi) north of the town of Marshall. PlayCleanGo Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks. The best way to witness these amazing animals? His television show on CBS/CW won first place as America's best outdoor recreation show, and his radio show on CBS won first place in 2010 for best environmental feature show in America. Visitor use of national parklands must always be weighed against the responsibility to maintain natural and cultural resources for succeeding generations. Disclaimer: The National Park Service provides the names, links, and phone numbers of area businesses as a visitor convenience. Inverness, CA 94937, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. Photograph the Cypress Tree Tunnel in Point Reyes. How to get to Inverness: At Point Reyes Station, turn left on Highway 1 and drive 0.8 of a mile (stay on Highway 1 at signed turns) to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. While no prior experience is required to partake in these endeavors, first time paddlers and those new to the area may consider a guided tour. Contacts: Blue Waters Kayaking, (415) 669-2600, www.bwkayak.com. No overnight parking is permitted. From: $270. Tomales Bay Day Rentals; Tomales Bay Camping Beaches on this map Kilkenny Beach Campers on Tomales Bay beaches must arrive by boat and may not hike, bike, or ride horses to the beaches.
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